Halloween Photo Shoot

So it's Halloween and nothin's goin' on around here. No party, no celebrating, no bones. No little kid is gonna walk down our long scary driveway for a bag of M&Ms, especially with me on border patrol! So M and C got this stupid idea -- let's take pictures of Sparky in costumes for his blog! Cripes! Number one -- costumes are for little wimpy dogs; I call 'em yappers! Number two -- they didn't even get me a real costume, ya know, somethin' cool like Superman or Darth Vader. Just used bits and pieces of old costumes, adding insult to injury. But hey -- I'll work for treats. So wanna see how that all went down?

A skeleton is a decent costume. It's scary and black and white, just like me. This is not a costume -- it's just a freakin' mask!

I like to wear a mask the same way I wear a hat -- between my teeth!

Actually I was informed that this hat is a true piece of Texas folk art, made by Billy Ray Gipson of Conroe. Whatever. Don't worry -- the damage was minimal.

Anyone know where I left my purple pumps?

Beldar Conesnout -- I don't think so!

Oh yeah -- a ghost. Now there's an original idea! Let's go all out -- spare no expense!

I like to wear it this way, ballgown style. Don't get me wrong -- I don't cross dress. In fact I usually don't dress at all.

Anyone ready for some salsa? Flamenco? Merengue?

Hey -- don't laugh! I'm a darn good dancer, and I gotta flair for that Latin style!

What am I -- Little White Riding Hood??

I'd rather be the Big Bad Wolf!

Now this hat is cool -- who knows who I'm impersonating here?

You gotta be kidding!!! Angel wings? Now this is the ultimate humiliation!

Treats or no treats, it's time I took control here!

Yeah!!! Here's how I like to wear angel wings! Let's play "try and get the angel wings away from Sparky!"

Again, minimal damage. Jamie can still wear these some Halloween when she's feeling angelic. Or not. Whatever.

And another thing. Can you believe how last minute this blog is? A Halloween blog on Halloween? So much for the big build-up! But Happy Halloween everyone, woof woof!

A Trip to the Vet

Ya know, I dunno how my flyball career is ever gonna take off. I keep missing practices, even though I'm totally a serious athlete! First I had that bout with ringworm, which by the way, wasn't really ringworm cause the culture came back negative. So, who knows what that was. Next C got sick and made me miss practice, and then she went to New York and made me miss again. So I was really pumped to go to flyball this past Saturday but when I got there someone noticed I was limping (thanks Mack!) so I didn't get to practice. Yeah, what a blast! Tethered to a tree watchin' other dogs practice!

I was limping because I've got an abrasion between two toes on my back left foot. Monday it was worse. It hurt, but no big deal -- I'm the fastest dog on three legs! But C made an appointment at the vet and so Tuesday we went to the Animal Hospital of Conroe.

Some of you know I lived there from the time I was one day old until I was six weeks when I went to live with M and C. So, I don't mind going to the vet -- it's old home week for me! Actually, I don't mind going anywhere! I'm always up for a ride in the car! My favorite destinations are Bed, Bath, and Biscuit where I go play with friends, and Petco, where we go get treats and toys. But the vet office is pretty interesting.

For one thing, they usually have cats in the waiting room. Some are in cages and some are just wandering around, and all are unfriendly. That's OK -- I'm totally used to cats with bad attitudes! Sometimes there are other dogs in the waiting room, and usually some humans who think I'm smart and good-looking! I love, love attention!

I usually see Dr. Pat, but she doesn't work on Tuesdays, so this time I saw Dr. Flood. I missed Dr. Pat, but it's all good -- Dr. Flood's a nice guy! Here I am waiting in the examination room for him to come in and take a look at my foot.

But first these ladies came in. At first I thought they were nice, callin' me "Mr. Sparky" and giving me plenty of treats and attention. Next thing I know, one of 'em's got me in a headlock and the other one's shaving the hair between my very sore toes! And C's standing there snappin' photos like it's a walk in the park!

This was no picnic, lemme tell ya! But, I'm no crybaby! They said I was a very good dog. And I don't hold it against 'em -- just doin' their jobs!

After they finished torturing me, then Dr. Flood came in and poked and prodded my poor toe. He said the abrasion is infected, and he gave me a shot. He also told C to give me antibiotics, painkillers, and sprinkle this powder on my toe twice a day after soaking it in water with Epsom Salts. C asked how long I had to soak it and he said ten minutes each time. Ten minutes -- do you know how long that is in dog minutes?? Really long.

Heh, heh, heh. That soaking isn't workin' out for C either. Today when she was sitting on the floor holding my foot in the pot of water I accidentally (I swear!) spilled the pot into her lap. We were almost done anyway. And by the way, my foot feels a lot better!

Before we left the vet office I had to say hi to a couple of my girls. They've known me since I was one day old and they think I've turned out to be quite the handsome dude! These two are Theresa and Candy, but I love all the women who work at Dr. Pat's! They're smart and caring and very generous with the treats!

After C paid the vet bill she said I have to get a job. Anyone wanna hire me? I'm really smart, fast, and friendly! Special talents include gathering sticks into piles; carrying the garbage can lid back from the road; and keeping the squirrels in the trees and off the ground. Gimme a call -- let's talk! Woof woof!